Crowe Announces Plan for CEO Succession

The managing executive of the Crowe Chizek’s Commercial Services Group will become the chief executive of Crowe Group LLP in April.Charles “Chuck” Allen, 53, will succeed Mark L. Hildebrand, who is completing his second term as the head of the firm. Hildebrand was first named chief executive in 1999.

Allen has more than 30 years experience serving clients in the areas of assurance, acquisition, divestiture, corporate finance and strategic business consulting. He joined Crowe as a campus recruit in the firm’s South Bend, Ind. office in 1975, and was elected partner a decade later while working in the firm’s Michigan City, Ind. office. Soon after, he helped open the firm’s Oak Brook, Ill. Office, where he will operate from as the firm’s chief executive.

For the past four years, Allen has led the commercial services group while also serving on the firm’s management committee. In a statement, the company said that Allen will focus on broadening the firm’s national footprint, as well as building its service offerings and brand.

Hildebrand will continue to serve as chief executive until March 31, 2007. At that time, he will concentrate on his role as the chairman of the Horwath International board of directors, while assisting Allen in his transition.

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